Fisher House II surpasses guest expectations

  • Published
  • By Chandra Lloyd
  • 88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Wright-Patterson senior leaders as well as community leaders within the surrounding areas celebrated the official opening of the new Fisher House II Friday, April 29.

"Each and every one of us has a role in helping this place succeed," said Lt. Gen. Tom Owen, Aeronautical Systems Center commander. "The next family that comes through these doors is going to be extremely thankful for the facility and most importantly, the managers, staff and volunteers."

The new home is a single story 12 bedroom facility with 13 ½ handicapped-accessible bathrooms, a large kitchen, family room, formal living room and a patio. The total cost of the facility was nearly four million dollars, including furnishings and landscaping.

"I can't say enough about how humbling it is to see how the local community and veterans organizations across the state embraced this project," said David Coker, president of Fisher House Foundation.

Fisher House II has been operating at full capacity since April 15 and replaces the Nightingale House which was demolished Feb. 14.

"We're very excited about this new house, because we have accessibility for anyone who needs to get around independently," said Karen Healea, Fisher House manager. "With the Nightingale House it was very limiting to who we could serve and the shared bathroom situation was not ideal, so this home is definitely a great addition."

Lance Cpl. Christopher Ellis, a Marine who has been going through treatment since June 2010 at Wright-Patterson Medical Center is one of the 12 families living at the new facility.

"My first impression of the home was the people," said Corporal Ellis. "They are always smiling, in great spirits, and are willing to help in any way possible; it really does take a lot of the burden away."

While the home is a way for many to lay their burdens down and think about other things besides their medical situation, the managers, staff and volunteers are what make Fisher House I and II at Wright-Patt what it is today.

"To the staff and all of you many volunteers who keep this facility open, who make it so special to those who stay here; you are the ones that make it that home away from home," said General Owen. "For those who donate their treasure, food and other services to this facility, you are the angels that help us succeed in this. Thank you for your sacrifices and compassion for all of those who stay at the Fisher House."